Biblical Answers toTough Questionsand using those answers towitness to the non-mainstream,Christian-derived religions

This site presents lines of reasoning, starting from the ground up,
supporting a belief in the Bible as being the Word of God. It gives biblical
answers, some of them atypical (you might say controversial), to the tough
questions. If you have a serious problem with any of those answers, please
e-mail
me.

Just as important, this site gives methods to explain main-stream Christianity
to those religious persons who are non-mainstream in a way that is gracious
without causing contention (Colossians 4:5,6; 1 Peter 3:15), and
that is one of the toughest issues of all.

No, I do not think I am inspired nor do I think I have been specially
chosen to bring the TRUTH to mankind. I am not a prophet, not even an uninspired
prophet and I am not a disciple of anyone claiming such a thing. I do not
have a following and do not seek such. I am not after your money. Like
most people, I work for a living.

Below you will find the index for the topics covered
or those subjects I hope to write. All of these have already been researched
and crystallized, but unfortunately due to health problems they have not
all been documented. My goal is to get this all written.

Witnessing to non-Mainstream
groups

What does NOT work

There are several popular methods to witness to the non-Mainstream
groups. Sadly they often fail.

One common method is to pull out examples from the other person's belief-system
that appear ridiculous and use it to embarrass them. This is clearly not
biblical. When believers in Scripture wanted to expose the "bad guys" they
sometimes used ridicule or scolding speech (1 Kings 18:27;
Matthew
23:13-33) but when trying to persuade, the presentations were fair,
gracious, logical (1 Kings 18:21-24;Matthew 5).

Another typical approach is to start with a verse that seems to clearly
contradict the other person's position. So as if one were playing
tennis, the verse is served across to see what they will do with it. Can
they return the challenge or will they go down in defeat? Since the challenger
is not inspired of God, the challenge appears to be no more than just an
interpretation. So they put all their ability into returning an explanation,
like a tennis ball, back to the presenter. If they cannot, they let it
go and look for a verse to send back as a challenge. Will the presenter
be able to explain it or go down in defeat? Then a dispute over words starts
and the discussion becomes heated. And so it goes, "Bible ping-pong". The
Bible cautions against doing this (1 Timothy 6:4;2 Timothy 2:14,23-26).

What does work!

The technique I offer for witnessing to the non-mainstream religions
is very different. You gently ask questions about issues they wish to discuss
and your questions lead them to a place where their own beliefs are contradictory.
Then who do they argue with? Not you. They argue in their own mind, with
their own leaders. Then after you are gone, the argument goes on. Then
you calmly say . . . "When you have an answer, let me know." . .
. And when they have an answer, it will mean they have chosen a position
that contradicts their church. Then they will be open to hear what else
you have to present.

I also discuss issues that are off the mainstream-track so as to get
readers to think. I never press you to agree with the articles I post here,
but I ask that you figure out what you believe and why
you believe it. Looking at theological and ethical issues that are unusual
can help define, refine and crystallize your beliefs.

Here is a question that I believe is important to consider and will
diagnose the viability of a religious system:

There have been persons who were either born into a prison-like situation
or were forcibly taken into such a situation where they were abused. Some
survived beyond adolescence and then died. Not only did they never hear
a biblical message but the only adults in their life were abusers. In your
belief-system, assuming you believe in an after-life,

WHERE COULD these abused persons spend eternity?

Note, I did not ask WHERE WILL they spend eternity? That is easy to
answer with "I don't know." I asked WHERE COULD they spend eternity? If
you believe in a bad place ("hell"?) and a good place ("heaven" or "kingdom"?)
and you answer "I don't know" then that necessarily means that according
to your best understanding these poor victims COULD spend eternity in either
place.

Why do I ask this? Because I have heard similar questions asked - such
as "What is the hope for those who have never heard?" - and the religious
answer side-steps the issue claiming that the questioner is not sincere
or genuine. It also appears the answerer is not sincere or genuine for
if one has the answer, why not give it? Further, some insist that they
have answers to the most important theological issues yet refuse to answer
this question, apparently because they cannot.

Basics of Christianity

I am developing articles on the basic issues of Christianity. Here is the
outline
of those articles. As the articles are completed they will be available
as links. This material is intended to cover the basic teachings of the
Bible. Yet even in the basics, there is HOT controversy. I am confident
that almost no one will agree with everything I present here. Some will
judge parts of this to be heresy. I am also confident that many conservative
"evangelical" Christians will agree with most of this. If you do have a
concern or are disturbed, please e-mail
me.